When it comes to building community, deepening faith, and spending quality time together, there’s nothing quite like stepping outside the routine of Sunday services. Whether you're planning a church away day or an overnight Christian retreat, both options offer meaningful ways to gather as a group and grow together spiritually. But which is the right fit for your ministry?
Let’s explore the key differences between the two and what each can bring to your group.
What is an overnight Christian retreat?
A Christian retreat is a longer, overnight event where your group stays on-site for one or more nights. These retreats offer time for deeper reflection, rest, and relationship-building that can be hard to achieve in a single day.
Retreats are ideal for:
- Leadership teams seeking time for prayer, planning, and unity
- Church-wide teaching conferences, where space is needed for worship, small groups, and rest
An example of a residential conference at Highgate House.
Because you’re not rushing to fit everything into a few hours, overnight retreats create more space; space to listen, to worship without a schedule, and to connect beyond surface level. People often return home spiritually refreshed and with stronger relationships.
Our Christian conference centres in Derbyshire, Hertfordshire and Northamptonshire are perfectly placed to escape the everyday rat race. These stately homes are set in stunning grounds, with a range of comfortable en-suite bedrooms, fully-equipped meeting rooms and breakout lounges. Your guests will enjoy unlimited tea and coffee and be served delicious hot meals throughout their stay, so they leave feeling refreshed and energised.
What is a church away day?
A church away day is a one-day event held at an off-site location where your group can come together for focused teaching, worship, fellowship, and fun. It’s perfect for those looking for a change of environment without the need for overnight accommodation.
Away days work especially well for:
- Family-friendly events where attendees can return home in the evening
- Newcomer gatherings, vision-setting days or team-building sessions
- Small teams who want a burst of inspiration in a short time
These one-day Christian events are often more accessible for people with busy schedules or family commitments. And even though the time is short, stepping into a peaceful and spacious setting can have a huge impact on the quality of conversation, worship and connection.
Our Christian conference venues provide the perfect space for your day event, whether that’s a Church away day, training workshop, leadership forum, or any other day event. Set in stunning grounds, our venues offer beautiful beamed chapels, large conference halls or smaller meeting spaces, to host every size and type of group. Our venues are disability friendly, with wheelchair access and hearing induction loops.
How do you decide what’s right for your group?
Think about what you hope to achieve. If you want a day to gather, celebrate, or teach something new, a church away day is a fantastic option. It’s focused, uplifting, and a great entry point for first-time organisers.
If you’re aiming for deeper connection, space for unhurried worship, or time to rest and recharge, then a Christian residential retreat will give your group room to grow in lasting ways.
Our mission is to serve churches and Christian organisations by providing quality spaces to meet. Our venues are all-inclusive meaning your meals, accommodation, meeting rooms, A/V equipment, and tea & coffee are all included in one simple price.
Call us on 0300 111 4444 today to receive a tailored quote.
